Iran Congratulates Lebanon on Election of New President

According to a report by Iranian Foreign Ministry’s official website, as translated by IFP, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi hailed the agreement between different Lebanese political movements on the election of a new president and described it as an important step in establishing democracy and continued stability in Lebanon.

Qassemi underlined the necessity of such election under current sensitive circumstances, and said, “After two and a half years of consultations, different political parties in Lebanon and members of the Lebanese Parliament reached an important and sensitive agreement on the election of the Lebanese President.”

“By electing General Michel Aoun as the President of Lebanon, political movements confirmed that Lebanon is still the cradle of diverse tribes and religions and a clear example of peaceful coexistence between the followers of different religions and faiths,” he went on to say.

“It proved that the only solution to problems is consensus and consultations between political parties.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran congratulates the Lebanese people, the country’s political sides, and Mr. Michel Aoun,” he noted, expressing the hope for growth and prosperity of Lebanon and the expansion of all-out ties between Tehran and Beirut during Aoun’s presidency.

Qassemi’s statement came after Lebanese lawmakers thrown their support behind Aoun, a strong ally Lebanese Resistance Movement Hezbollah, to fill the country’s long-vacant presidency.

The parliament convened at noon (1000 GMT) Monday for the voting session in its 46th attempt to elect a head of state.

Aoun was elected after four rounds of voting during the session.

The 81-year-old Christian leader has won the support of two of his greatest rivals: Samir Geagea, leader of the Christian Lebanese Forces, and ex-prime minister, Saad Hariri.

Lebanon was without a head of state since 2014, when the term of President Michel Suleiman expired.